With the Chiefs facing an embarrassing loss to the Eagles 40-22 many people have questioned Mahomes ability to be amongst the greatest ever. The Super Bowl saw complete dominance by the Eagle’s defense, and the score does not fully display the blowout that the game was. The Chiefs were down 34-0 at one point and the late game points were when the game did not matter.
Going into the game, Mahomes was seen as the most dominant quarterback in the league, already boasting three Super Bowl titles and multiple MVP awards at just 29 years old. However, his performance on the biggest stage was a let down to say the least. Two interceptions and a fumble handed the Eagles prime scoring opportunities, leaving the Chiefs unable to mount their usual comeback magic.
Sports analysts have been quick to react, with analysts such as Colin Cowherd of “The Herd” suggesting that this defeat could mark a significant dent in Mahomes’ chase to surpass Tom Brady’s legacy. “When you’re talking about the greatest of all time, every Super Bowl counts. Tom Brady won seven. Mahomes just lost a big one, and that matters,” Cowherd explained.
However, not everyone agrees that Mahomes’ legacy is at stake just yet. Many NFL players and experts have rushed to his defense, arguing that one bad game does not erase years of excellence. “Patrick is still one of the best to ever do it. This loss doesn’t change that,” said former quarterback Peyton Manning.
Despite the loss, the Chiefs remain a powerhouse in the NFL, and Mahomes’ career is far from over. With plenty of time left to add to his accomplishments, he still has a chance to rewrite history. Some fans have pointed out that even Brady himself suffered several Super Bowl losses and still managed to be considered the GOAT. “This is just a setback. Mahomes has time, and the Chiefs’ window is still wide open,” said ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
The loss is a big tarnish to his legacy but it shows just how hard it is to stay at the top in the national football league. Every year teams sign new free agents, players retire, and rookies come into through the draft. These changes along with the shortened season make it incredibly difficult for teams to go back to back let alone a chance for a three-peat.
For Chiefs fans, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, but there remains hope for the future. With Mahomes leading the charge, the team is expected to bounce back stronger next season. Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the disappointment but remains optimistic. “Patrick is a special player. We’ll learn from this and be back. We’re not done yet.”
As the dust settles from Super Bowl LIX, the debate over Mahomes’ legacy will likely continue. However, the noise from the debate will not be as loud following his abysmal performance that may have tainted his legacy to become the greatest ever. Along with being 0-2 to Tom Brady in a championship and a Super Bowl it will be tough to overcome the career accomplishments of Brady. Mahomes still has many years to go and with Super Bowl wins having a high probability in the future the debate for the greatest of all time could open back up soon.
